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NAD 'ALI SOUTH, Afghanistan - Locals of Nad ‘Ali South are seeing a lot more of their nation’s colors of black, red and green as Afghan National Army soldiers take more responsibility in winning over the hearts and minds of their fellow people.
Instead of taking a backseat on patrols with coalition forces, the soldiers of 3rd Brigade, 215th Corps, are now leading the patrols with the support of coalition forces.
The soldiers have experienced fighting in their country for years. The difference now is that their professionalism and tactics are coming full circle after receiving training from coalition forces.
“Five years ago, insurgents roamed this country with violence freely,” said Capt. Muhammad Maroof, the commander of Heavy Weapons Company, 3rd Brigade, 215th Corps. “Now Afghanistan is becoming much more peaceful with the improvement in our forces.”
All of the unit’s soldiers talk about how passionate they are to bring peace to Afghanistan and defend their country.
“I love Afghanistan and am happy that I am a part of bringing peace and happiness to my country,” said Maroof, who has served with the ANA for five years.
The unit has shown effectiveness in locating and destroying improvised explosive devices, along with deterring an enemy determined in crushing their spirits.
Most of the troops believe the enemy’s determination has only strengthened them to fight back.
Already being accustomed to the terrain of Helmand province, the soldiers are also able to withstand the harsh weather conditions and work quickly and efficiently.
“I trust my troops to be successful, because they have accomplished every tasked that I’ve assigned them,” Maroof said.
Most importantly, the soldiers are able to relate to the local population and forge a trusting friendship among them.
ANA troops understand the hardships and needs of locals because they have been in the same situations, said Sgt. Hilaluvvin, an engineer for 2nd Group Engineering Team, 3rd Brigade, 215th Corps. “Their confidence has grown because we’ve helped each other through times of trouble in the past and came out better.”
This group of soldiers has become so close and confident that the U. S. Marines they partner with have taken notice.
“I think this unit is close to becoming one of the first ANA units to be fully independent and operational,” said Staff Sgt. Mathew B. Jaroslawski, the team chief for Fire Control Team B, 2nd Air-Naval Gunfire Liaison Company.
Taking the lead on patrols, locating IEDs and communicating with residents are some of the positive steps these troops have taken, explained Jaroslawski, of Waterford, Mich.
He continued by saying that at one point in this war the coalition forces were known more as mentors. However, now coalition troops consider their relationship with the ANA as a partnership.
| Date Taken: | 05.20.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 05.25.2011 11:16 |
| Story ID: | 71047 |
| Location: | NAD 'ALI SOUTH, AF |
| Web Views: | 67 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, ANA makes presence known in Nad ‘Ali South, by GySgt Adam Leyendecker, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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